THE Sea Eagles have to find a new five-eighth for next season after Kieran Foran’s decision to go to Parramatta next season — and the solution may be close to home.
But the problem confronting Manly is that there are now not a lot of obvious options available on the market.
“The logical replacement is Jamie Lyon,” said Sea Eagles great and host of 2UE’s Sports Today program, John Gibbs.
He can cope with the position and he has experience in that position.”
Gibbs said Lyon had great success filling in for Foran at Manly and he was also was an excellent stand-off when he played in England.
“And one thing Manly do have is a lot of good outside backs who can cover Jamie moving in one,” Gibbs said.
“You have Clinton Gutherson, Peta Hiku and Tom Trbojevic who are all excellent options in the outside backs.
“I think it would be more prudent not to spend a lot of money on a big name five-eighth, but use Lyon and save your money for a forward because that is what Manly needs.”
Gibbs said obviously the Sea Eagles will need a back-up in case of injury so they will have to scour for second sting five-eighth who can do that job.
Hopes that the club could retain Foran have evaporated after it was revealed yesterday that he has agreed to a revised contract with the Eels, which has yet to be signed.
It is a two-year deal with options for a third and fourth season in Foran’s favour. And if coach Brad Arthur gets the boot Foran is free to leave the club.
But the problem confronting Manly is that there are now not a lot of obvious options available on the market.
“The logical replacement is Jamie Lyon,” said Sea Eagles great and host of 2UE’s Sports Today program, John Gibbs.
He can cope with the position and he has experience in that position.”
Gibbs said Lyon had great success filling in for Foran at Manly and he was also was an excellent stand-off when he played in England.
“And one thing Manly do have is a lot of good outside backs who can cover Jamie moving in one,” Gibbs said.
“You have Clinton Gutherson, Peta Hiku and Tom Trbojevic who are all excellent options in the outside backs.
“I think it would be more prudent not to spend a lot of money on a big name five-eighth, but use Lyon and save your money for a forward because that is what Manly needs.”
Gibbs said obviously the Sea Eagles will need a back-up in case of injury so they will have to scour for second sting five-eighth who can do that job.
Hopes that the club could retain Foran have evaporated after it was revealed yesterday that he has agreed to a revised contract with the Eels, which has yet to be signed.
It is a two-year deal with options for a third and fourth season in Foran’s favour. And if coach Brad Arthur gets the boot Foran is free to leave the club.
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